Education Is Key
Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr., Ed.D.
Andraé Townsel, Ed.D.
Black Male Superintendents' Perspective on Addressing Race Relations in PK-12 Education By Sharon H. Porter. Ed. D.
EDUCATION IS
There has been significant shifts and attitudes and increased dialogue regarding racial profiling, racial injustices, and racial inequities, in the past four months. Protests across the nation and across the globe have sparked a newfound cry regarding police brutality among African-Americans. These conversations, while important in any space, are pivotal in PK-12 education. While I am best known educationally, for focusing on women in education, I thought it was necessary to hear from our black male educational leaders regarding the most recent events of the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. While these occurrences are definitely not new, most can agree that it has struck a chord, specifically in the black community,
The Black Male is a heavily discussed topic in the field of education. As black males leading a school district, I felt the initial response to address the racial tension that has been heightened since the senseless death of George Floyd would be an intentional message to their school communities.
but also across the globe.
As an elementary school principal, I simply could not
I had an opportunity to hear from Dr. Gregory C.
staff and school community. Therefore; I knew as
Hutchings, Jr., Superintendent of Alexandria Public Schools, Alexandria, Virginia and Dr. Andraé Townsel, Superintendent of Benton Harbor Area Schools, Benton Harbor, Michigan. JULY/AUGUST 2020 V&P MAGAZINE | 8
sit in silence. I had to speak up and speak out to my district leaders, a message of hope and support had to have been shared. I thank both, Dr. Hutchings and Dr. Townsel for taking the time to share their thoughts and actions as it relates to this topic.
